High-tech indicators: assessing the competitiveness of selected European countries

Western European nations, along with the USA and Japan, have been recognised as the world's most competitive economies. Eastern European nations have generally been considered to lag. This paper explores whether these descriptions remain accurate and the prospects for change over the coming decade. The Georgia Tech ‘High Tech Indicators’ (HTI) contribute to the US National Science Foundation (NSF) Science & Engineering Indicators. We cover 33 highly developed and rapidly industrialising countries. Our model of technological competitiveness contains four components – National Orientation, Socioeconomic Infrastructure, Technological Infrastructure, and Productive Capacity – contributing to ‘Technological Standing.’ We present indicator values, derived from survey and statistical panel data, for 13 European nations (plus the USA as a benchmark), for 1993–2005, and draw inferences about future high tech competitiveness. We see limited technological progress of the Eastern European nations. European prospects appear somewhat uncertain given the dramatic competitive thrusts from Asia.